Written by Melanie Kassel, Performance Editor
RV mattresses are notoriously hard, flimsy, and uncomfortable. But when you’re spending the night away from a traditional bedroom, you shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of your sleep. Whether you’ve temporarily caught the travel bug or you’ve embraced the carefree lifestyle of RV living, you’ll want the best RV mattress available for your vehicle or camper.
Thankfully, many of the most trusted mattress brands now make their acclaimed beds in RV-friendly sizes. We’ll go over our favorites here, as well as highlight which RV and camper mattresses are best for certain preferences and situations.
Best RV Mattresses
- Dreamfoam Essential – Editor’s Pick
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling RV Mattress
- Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Value RV Mattress
- Helix Midnight – Best RV Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Heavy People
- Nolah Original Hybrid – Best Short Queen RV Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Eco-Friendly RV Mattress
Compare The Best RV Mattresses
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| Dreamfoam Essential RV | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress | Dreamfoam Hybrid RV | Helix Midnight Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress | Nolah Original Hybrid | Bear Original Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
For those shopping for an RV mattress, we also look for components like sizing (this can be unique for RVs), customization, overall support, and trial period.
Learn more about our product review process here.
What We Look for in RV Mattresses
Sizing
Mattresses usually come in standard sizes like the King and Queen, but this might not always fit your RV.
RV mattress sizes are more compact than regular sizes to fit a more limited RV space. This is why you’ll see a difference between even the smallest sizes, like the Twin, which is around 10 inches narrower for RVs. This is why we like to include mattresses that come in RV sizes like Short Queen and Short King.
Customization
Limited space isn’t the only consideration when sleeping in an RV. There are also specific performance features and design options that can help improve the experience. For example, cooling. Sleeping in an RV is fun, but it can also be hot, which is why many people might prefer to have additional cooling features within their mattress.
Customization can also come in the form of multiple firmness and height options. While different firmnesses can better ensure you’ve got the right feel for your sleep style, more height options can give you a better chance of finding something just right for the space available in your RV.
Support
The last thing you want when camping in your RV is to wake up with back pain. For this reason, it’s important to look for a supportive mattress that’ll provide a comfortable sleep surface to relax and recharge after an active day.
A supportive mattress makes all the difference, so look for materials like high-density foam or coils and an overall feel that’s firm enough to keep your heaviest areas (like the hips) lifted.
Trial Period
A trial period is crucial for you to test how your new mattress fits your needs when you’re sleeping in an RV. Some brands offer a full year, while others keep the trial shorter at around 120 nights, on average. A minimum trial period we like to see is around 100 nights.
Our Picks for The Best Mattresses for Campers
Dreamfoam Essential – Editor’s Pick
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
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Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Full, Short Queen, Short King, RV King, RV Bunk. | Five height options covering five firmness levels | 4/5 | 120 Nights |
Formerly known as the Wanderlust, the Dreamfoam Essential mattress has earned our Editor’s Pick title for its versatility, affordability, and quality construction. With multiple RV Bunk, RV King, and Short Queen sizes available, this bed should accommodate many types of RV setups. You can also pick from five different thickness levels, ranging from 6 to 14 inches.
Plus, these height variations also give you five comfort levels, including soft-medium, medium, medium-firm, firm-medium, and firm.
These customization options allow you to tailor your RV mattress to your and your family’s needs, resulting in optimal sleep on the road. The Dreamfoam Essential is also budget-friendly, as it’s priced well below its competitors.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling RV Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Queen, RV King, RV Bunk. | Three firmness levels (Soft, Medium, Firm), optional pillow top. | 5/5 | 120 Nights |
A cooling mattress can come in handy during those warm summer months when you’re camping, especially if you’re prone to overheating during the night. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe should provide sufficient cooling for sleepers, earning its spot as our ‘Best Cooling RV Mattress.’
First, you’ll feel its cool-to-the-touch cover with TitanCool™ technology in the first layer. Next, the mattress has gel-infused memory foam, followed by coils that foster additional airflow to keep everything from overheating.
Given that it has cooling features in nearly every layer, I was surprised that it took over five minutes to regulate temperature when I tested it with a temperature gun. Although it feels cool to the touch, the delay in temperature regulation might be due to the phase-change material.
Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Value RV Mattress
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Queen, RV Bunk, RV King. | Multiple Cooling Features | 4/5 | 120 Nights |
It can be difficult to find a hybrid on a budget, let alone one that’ll work for your RV. Thankfully, Brooklyn Bedding offers an affordable option that brings plenty of bang for its buck: the Dreamfoam Hybrid. This mattress packs a lot into 10 inches and offers RV models in bunk and king-size.
Helix Midnight – Best RV Mattress for Back Pain
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Queen, RV King. | GlacioTex Pillow Top | 5/5 | 100 Nights |
Back pain can put a damper on a vacation, but the good news is that a quality mattress can help alleviate or prevent this pain. The key to this is a highly supportive bed. A mattress with firm support layers can help ensure your spine stays aligned, which is important for mitigating back pain.
The Helix Midnight has a true medium-firm feel that should work well for most sleepers. The Midnight’s supportive layers include an 8-inch thick pocketed coil system and a highly dense foam at the base.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Heavy People
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Full, Short Queen, Short King, RV King. | Three firmness options (Soft, Medium, Firm), optional cooling pillow top. | 5/5 | 120 Nights |
If you’re a heavier person, you’ll need a firm, supportive enough bed to ensure your body remains in a healthy alignment. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness levels, but we think their Firm model could be most beneficial for plus-size sleepers.
We also think Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid mattress offers consumers fantastic value for a hybrid model, especially since hybrids can be considerably more costly than innerspring and foam models. Spencer, my colleague who tested this bed as a plus-size sleeper, said this bed feels wonderful. While testing it on his back, he noted, “The cushion around my hips is pushing back ever so slightly with this buoyant feel, which we can credit the coils for.”
Nolah Original Hybrid – Best Short Queen RV Mattress
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Short Queen, Short King. | Multiple Cooling Features | 4/5 | 120 Nights |
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a fresh take on Nolah’s all-foam Original bed, adding springs to the mix. The Short Queen size is an excellent option for those who want something larger like a Queen but one that’ll still fit comfortably into an RV. The exact dimensions are 60 inches by 74 inches, which means the Short Queen is 6 inches shorter than the regular Queen.
Bear Original – Best Eco-Friendly RV Mattress
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Sizing | Customization | SA Support Score | Trial Period |
| Standard sizes only | Optional Celliant Infused cover | 4.5/5 | 120 Nights |
Not only does the Bear Original boast an affordable price, but it also features eco-friendly components in its 10-inch-thick design. You won’t find fiberglass in any Bear mattress, and that includes this hallmark model. The mattress itself is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions, and the foams used in its construction are also Certi-PUR US certified to ensure they were formulated without harmful chemicals.
Underneath the Bear Original’s breathable cover, you’ll find cooling gel memory foam that works tirelessly to dissipate heat. Beneath that is another layer of responsive foam, followed by a foundation of high-density support form that keeps this portable mattress stable and durable.
Advice from Experienced RV Mattress Users
“People might settle for below-average comfort and support because they associate sleeping in an RV with camping, which is by nature more rustic and Spartan. But I’ve most often slept on the RV mattress after dancing at a music festival all day or competing in a big fitness event—like a 100-mile gravel bike race or long-distance trail race—so it’s been a huge relief to have a really high-quality mattress to collapse onto. There’s no reason you have to keep the stiff mattress your RV came with. Replace it with a mattress that has the same qualities you love about your home mattress, so you can enjoy equally restful (and even familiar-feeling) sleep on the road.”
– Caitlin Giddings
“Make sure you allow your mattress to breathe in humid and moist climates, otherwise you run the risk of mold growth. I also didn’t get a van-specific mattress, so you don’t have to buy one just for an RV/van. Also, if you plan on cutting a mattress to fit your van be 100% sure you don’t get one with pieces of fiberglass, the shards will go everywhere and will be incredibly difficult to clean up, not to mention a huge safety concern.”
– Maria Jensen
Benefits of Getting a Mattress Built for an RV
Buying a mattress for an RV has some unique considerations compared to a mattress you’d use at home. This is where it helps to get a mattress that can accommodate an RV well.
- The right dimensions – In many cases, a standard mattress size won’t fit properly in an RV bed. RV mattress sizes are specifically designed with modified dimensions to better accommodate RVs and are more likely to fit correctly.
- Not too high – Although a tall mattress can look great in a bedroom, the same cannot always be said in an RV since the space is smaller. RV mattresses often have a lower profile so that they don’t overpower the space. A lower profile also helps keep you from sleeping too close to the ceiling. We spoke with our coworker, Caitlin Giddings, who has used an RV mattress that’s roughly 9-10 inches thick, and she has found this to be a good height for camping since it’s more compact.
- Temperature regulation – If you’ve ever camped in the summer, you probably know how hot it can get in the cramped space of your RV. Most manufacturers make sure their RV mattresses have some cooling features to help with cooling so folks can sleep more comfortably.
Camper and RV Mattress Buyer’s Guide
RV Mattress
If your camper didn’t come with a mattress, you’ll definitely need to get one! Alternatively, if it did have one included but will lead you to an uncomfortable night of sleep on it, you’ll probably want a whole new setup.
Keep in mind that you might need to get a custom size, especially if there are rounded corners or indents to allow for placements of other structures or areas, like a bathroom or a closet door.
Check out our Best Mattresses for 2024
RV Mattress Topper
A topper can be a lifesaver and breathe new life into a bed that is somewhat uncomfortable. Typically, toppers work to make a firm surface soft, but they aren’t supposed to replace a sagging mattress to make it more supportive.
Want to know more? Visit our full best mattress topper guide.
For Sofa Beds
For an RV with a pullout or sofa bed, your choices are more limited. The bed needs to be able to fold in and out, so toppers are usually the best choice. Be careful not to fold the topper into the sofa bed when not in use. Instead, store it on a flat surface or on top of the main bed.
For Pop-ups
Pop-up campers have less vertical space, so you need to be careful when selecting your sleeping apparatus. Steer away from thicker profile bedding. Instead, you can get a narrow topper that’s comfortable enough for a restful night of sleep but won’t get in the way. Some people might recommend an eggshell topper because they’re easier to store, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
For Motorhomes
Many motorhomes have space and flexibility for you to buy a traditional mattress if you desire. Double-check your measurements to see if this is the case.
Alternatively, some motorhomes have built-ins that can’t be replaced easily. If that’s the case, the only viable option is to add a mattress topper for comfort.
Types of Beds for RVs and Campers
Foam Mattress
This material is typically what comes standard in RVs and campers. It’s usually thin, firm, and not as comfortable or durable. The advantage is that they’re only about five to six inches thick, so they don’t take up a lot of space. If you don’t have room for something taller, look into getting a higher-quality foam or a thin mattress topper.
Memory Foam Mattress
How much time you spend on your camper mattress will dictate the amount you’ll probably want to spend. A decent memory foam bed can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, though you can find some quality options at the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
These beds are typically constructed of a layer of soft memory foam and a sturdy foam base for support.
Latex Mattress
Similar to memory foam, latex offers a lot of comfort combined with support. Natural latex is made from a rubber tree. It’s more natural than synthetic and will last you a lot longer. In addition, this material is known to be antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant, both important for furniture that is exposed to more of the elements.
Get More Info: Top Rated Latex Mattress
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are known for being high quality and providing superior comfort, but they’re not always the best bet for mobile living. For example, they can be heavier, which means you might be able to use them in a pop-up camper. Plus, they contain metal, which increases the risk of rust and condensation inside the core of the bed.
Gel Mattress
If you’re on the road in warmer climates, consider getting a gel-infused mattress. Manufacturers typically place cooling gel beads into the foam for an overall cooler sleeping experience. Trust me when I tell you, this makes a huge difference on those hot nights.
Air Mattress
These vary widely in price, so if you’re going to go down this route, make sure you get an air mattress that’s specifically designed for RVs. Some choices are particularly durable and often shaped to fit the environment better. Higher-end brands allow you to adjust the amount of air on each side, which is fantastic if you’re sleeping with a partner who prefers a different firmness level.
While you’re out exploring, if you decide to take a side excursion into the wilderness, you might consider taking a highly durable product geared for the outdoors and pick up an air bed for camping. Then, you can use it both outside and in the camper.
Bed Sizes for RV Mattresses
| Size | Description |
|---|---|
| Twin | A standard Twin bed is 38 x 75 inches, but RV mattresses come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 28 x 75 to 40 x 80. This size is common in campers and is the standard for pop-ups. |
| Bunk | Bunks are common in recreational vehicles designed for families. The standard length is 75 inches, but the width can be either 28 or 35 inches. Occasionally, we run into a non-standard size. In that case, look for a truck bed. Those dimensions tend to be both longer and slightly wider. |
| Full | You’ll find full, also referred to as double, mattresses in many RVs and on the fold-out sofas. The only difference between these and regular beds is that the RV versions are one inch wider. Explore the best full mattresses here. |
| Three Quarter | As the name suggests, these beds are 75% the width of a standard Queen-size bed. Instead of the traditional 60-inch width, a Three Quarter is 48 inches. They’re often found in RVs or sections that are narrow or oddly shaped. |
| Queen | Many RVs and pop-ups feature Queen-sized mattresses, which are 60 x 80 inches. If the vehicle has multiple sleeping areas, you’ll usually find a Queen in the main one. |
| Short Queen | These beds are 5 inches shorter, so they’re 75 inches long instead of 80 inches. This size is ideal when you need to accommodate multiple sleepers, but your square footage is lacking in length. |
| Olympic Queen | Olympic Queens are wider than a standard Queen. Instead of 60 inches across, the Olympic version is 66 inches. |
| King | King-size beds are surprisingly common in RVs and campers. The standard size is 76 x 80 inches in homes but tends to be slimmed down for mobility. You’ll usually find RV sizes are 72 x 75 inches or 72 x 80 inches. Explore More: Best King Mattress |
| Eastern King | Eastern King beds are a little wider than a regular King, measuring 76 inches across instead of 72. They’re ideal for couples who want extra room or those who are traveling with children but only have one bed. |
| Cali King | You’ll find this size bed more frequently in homes than in an RV. It’s a longer mattress than a standard king, but slightly narrower. Instead of 76 x 80 inches, it’s 72 x 80 inches. If you’ve got a longer mobile abode, you’ll find this size can work well. Find California king beds here. |
| Trailer Beds | Life doesn’t get much better than lying in the back of a pickup truck and falling asleep while looking at the stars. Trailer, or truck beds, come in two sizes: either 35 x 79 or 42 x 80 inches. |
Other Considerations When Buying a Mattress for a Camper
Firmness
Since RV mattresses are known for being firmer than average, you’ll want to take that into consideration when finding the one that’s best for you. Many are made of memory foam now, and that will provide extra softness.
Before making your choice, consider how often you’ll be sleeping on it. The more nights you spend in your RV, the more durable the bed should be. If you get something that’s slightly firm now, it will likely soften up over time.
Find Out More: Mattress Firmness Guide
Comfort
There’s no sense in compromising comfort, even if you don’t plan on spending a substantial amount of time in your RV. In our opinion, just one single night of torturous sleep isn’t worth saving a few bucks. While you can’t necessarily test out these mattresses before you buy, refer to our reviews above to see which bed best fits your needs.
Couples
We spoke with Maria Jensen, who has used an RV mattress for traveling and sleeping in a sprinter van, on what she found most challenging as a couple sharing a mattress while on the road. “We’re used to sharing a King-size mattress at home, so the biggest challenge is just the smaller size of the mattress (the van mattress is a full size).”
With this in mind, couples should consider prioritizing specific features like motion isolation and a medium-firm feel. With good motion isolation, you’re less likely to notice if the other person moves around, and a medium-firm feel is more versatile for two people.
Durability
Durability is crucial to consider when buying a new mattress for your RV because the last thing you want is a dent in your bed after only a year of use. To better understand a product’s durability, look at the materials and construction quality. For memory foam, go for a high-density one to ensure it can support you without sagging. When it comes to hybrid and innerspring beds, make sure they have high-gauge coils with quality foam on top. Lastly, don’t forget the stitching. Check if the cover has a bit of stretch to it to ensure it won’t easily rip or tear.
Mattress Weight
Most mattresses are fairly heavy, so moving them is not a walk in the park, especially given the limited space in most RVs. If you bring the mattress in and out as the seasons change, it’s best to focus on the smallest sizes, which are also the lightest. Also, the type of mattress plays a big role here as well, with hybrids being heavier due to the coils inside them.
Budget
Understandably, many folks don’t want to break the bank for a bed they’ll only use a few months in a year, so affordability is an important consideration.
You can find plenty of great RV beds under $1,000, even for larger sizes, and foam mattresses are often cheaper than hybrids. Also, to help you save even more money, shop during holidays and sales days, such as Memorial Day, which is right ahead of the summer travel season.
Trial and Warranty
While a trial gives you a chance to truly test out the bed, the warranty helps give you peace of mind about the quality of the product.
For an RV bed, a trial of at least 100 to 120 nights should be enough to determine whether it fits your needs. Warranties typically range from 10 years to lifetime deals, depending on the brand (and the price). We recommend looking for an RV bed with at least a 10-year warranty, which is often the average lifespan for many beds.
RV Mattress FAQs
Can RV mattresses be replaced?
For the most part, yes, they can be replaced. Every now and then, you might encounter a built-in, and your only option will be adding a mattress topper to make it more comfortable.
However, you can usually get a new one with no problems whatsoever. Make sure you take careful measurements before buying anything and double or triple-check the website you’re buying from to ensure the dimensions match what you need.
Can you use a regular mattress in an RV?
No, many regular mattress sizes are not compatible with the available space in RVs and Campers. Before purchasing a mattress you intend to use in an RV, we recommend measuring the space.
What if I want an RV mattress for two people?
Have you met that one person with whom you want to hit the road? There’s nothing better than sharing your life and your travels with the one you love, but what if your sleep needs don’t line up as well as your thirst for adventure? You wouldn’t be alone, as around 80% of couples have different body shapes and sleep preferences.
Shopping for mattresses as a twosome doesn’t have to be a nightmare because many brands out there offer helpful features like dual-sided firmness or greater versatility to support different shapes.
Find Out More: Best Mattresses for Couples
Compare Prices of the Best RV Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Editor’s Pick | $524 | Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $1,874 | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress Review |
| Dreamfoam Hybrid | Value | $799 | Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight | Back Pain | $1,199 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Heavy People | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Nolah Original Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $1,749 | Pending |
| Bear Original | Eco-Friendly | $999 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
Final Word of Advice
The RV life is nothing short of exciting, and we don’t want it spoiled with poor-quality sleep. After all, who wants to wake up with achy joints or lower back pain while on vacation?
Many of the best brands offer their mattresses in RV sizes to provide the most comfortable sleep even while you’re on the road. We feel confident that this list should provide you with some great choices for your next camping adventure.
Melanie Kassel
Performance Editor
About Author
As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach